By Daily MirrorUG sports
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) has awarded hosting rights for its 2027 National Championships to several schools across the country, with the selection guided by regional rotation, sports facilities, accommodation capacity and the expected impact on host communities.
In a press statement issued in Kampala on October 29, 2026, USSSA President Justus Mugisha announced the successful bidders for five major national competitions: National Ball Games I and Athletics, the National Football Boys Championship, Ball Games II, the Elite Games and the Swimming Championship.
The awards followed a competitive bidding process involving prospective schools, with a joint team from the Ministry of Education and Sports and USSSA officials inspecting the applicants before a panel made the final decisions.
Schools awarded hosting rights
Under the 2027 arrangement, St. Kagwa High School, Bushenyi, will be the main host for National Ball Games I and Athletics, with Bweranyangi Girls Secondary School serving as co-host.
Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi will host the National Football Boys Championship, marking the school’s return to hosting the competition for the first time in 12 years.
For Ball Games II, Nyakasura School will serve as the main host, with Kyebambe Secondary School in Fort Portal as co-host.
The Elite Games will be hosted by Seroma Christian High School, with Ndejje Campus serving as co-host alongside Standard High School, Zzana, and Standard High School, Bombo.
St. Mary’s College Rushoroza will host the Swimming Championship.
USSSA also named standby hosts for three competitions to ensure continuity in case the main hosts fail to meet the required standards.
Seroma Christian High School will be the standby host for Ball Games I, Mbabara High School for the National Football Boys Championship, and St. Mary’s College Rushoroza for Ball Games II.
Facilities and regional rotation key to selection
Mugisha said the association considered four major principles in determining the successful bidders: regional rotation, availability of facilities, the anticipated impact of hosting and the quality of each school’s bid.
The rotation policy is intended to distribute hosting opportunities across Uganda’s five regions and among zones within those regions.
On facilities, USSSA emphasised the importance of quality sports grounds, well-drained pitches, student accommodation within schools and hotel facilities in the host cities.
The association also considered how hosting the championships could benefit schools and surrounding communities, including plans for constructing or renovating playing facilities and stadiums.
Schools were further assessed on additional commitments outlined in their bids, including feeding, tourism, entertainment and other arrangements for athletes and visitors.
Final inspections planned ahead of competitions
USSSA said the successful schools will undergo final compliance inspections in January 2027 to determine whether they have met the agreed hosting standards.
According to Mugisha, the inspection will be a pass-or-fail exercise, and a standby host may be activated if a main host fails to meet the requirements.
The association will also issue formal hosting agreements outlining the obligations of the successful schools, with facilities, drainage, accommodation, security and medical care among the non-negotiable requirements.
USSSA congratulated the successful bidders and urged schools that did not secure hosting rights to continue improving their facilities in preparation for future opportunities.
The 2027 championships are expected to bring together secondary school athletes from across Uganda, providing a platform for competition and talent development while creating opportunities for host schools and communities to benefit from sports-related activities.
